Furniture having load-bearing or non-load bearing structures for storage of water or other material

ABSTRACT

Furniture pieces which incorporate load-bearing or non-load bearing structures in which water or other material may be stored. By incorporating such storage capacity within furniture, a user may take advantage of space that would otherwise be unused or unusable to unobtrusively and conveniently store an emergency water supply or other desired material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to furniture and, morespecifically, to furniture which incorporates load-bearing or non-loadbearing structures in which water or other material may be stored.

2. Background Information

In preparation for possible emergency situations such as naturaldisasters, power outages and the like, public safety agencies oftenrecommend that residents keep a supply of potable water stored in areadily accessible location. In an emergency in which a loss of power orcontamination renders the normal water supply (municipal or private)unusable, residents who have made such preparations will have sufficientdrinking water is to sustain them for at least a brief time.

One problem that often arises in connection with creating an emergencywater supply of sufficient capacity is inadequate storage space. Forexample, FEMA recommends storing at least a three-day emergency watersupply which includes at least one gallon of water per person per dayjust for drinking. Following that recommendation with some additionalallowance for unforeseen needs, a family of four persons would need tostore at least 15 gallons of water. Further, the same family of fourwould need to store on the order of 35 gallons of water (e.g., 7five-gallon containers) to be prepared for an emergency lasting aboutone week. Thus, storage of a reasonable emergency water supply for evena few people quickly translates into significant storage space. Inaddition, while it is desirable to store an emergency water supply suchthat is readily accessible, most people will also want to avoid movingheavy containers of water frequently or at all. Also, in order to avoiddetracting from the atmosphere and décor of their homes, most peoplewill prefer that their emergency water supplies be stored in a way thatis inconspicuous and aesthetically acceptable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In brief summary, the present invention provides a variety of furniturepieces which incorporate load-bearing or non-load bearing structures inwhich water or other material may be stored. By integrating such storagecapacity within furniture, a user may take advantage of space that wouldotherwise be unused or unusable to unobtrusively and conveniently storean emergency water supply or other desired material.

In some embodiments of the present invention, one or more reusable waterstorage containers are used as a load-bearing structure for a chair,table or other furniture piece. In other embodiments, one or morereusable water storage containers may be used as a non-load bearingstructure in a furniture piece. In still other embodiments of thepresent invention, one or more reusable water storage containers havinga particular shape and dimensions may be used as either a load-bearingor non-load bearing structure is in a furniture piece.

In some further embodiments of the present invention, in order to drawwater or other material, a user may gain access to the storage containerby removing a table top or chair seat or taking other action. In otherembodiments, a pump assembly may be integrated with the furniture piecesuch that a user is able to draw from the storage container even whenthe furniture piece is in a normal position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention description below refers to the accompanying drawings, ofwhich:

FIG. 1A is a front elevation view of a task chair whose load-bearingbase includes a storage container which may be used to store anemergency water supply in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 1B is a side elevation view of the chair shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a rear elevation view of the chair shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is an elevation view of a round table whose load-bearing baseincludes three storage containers;

FIG. 2B is a top plan view of the table shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of the tabletopshown in FIG. 2A;

FIGS. 2D-2F are elevation views of table height extenders which arecompatible with the tabletop of FIG. 2C;

FIG. 3A is an elevation view of a square table whose load-bearing baseincludes four storage containers in a decorative enclosure;

FIG. 3B is a top plan view of the table shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is an elevation view of a rectangular table whose load-bearingbase includes five storage containers in a decorative enclosure;

FIG. 4B is a top plan view of the table shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a round table having a hollowpedestal-type base;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a storage container which may be housedwithin the hollow pedestal of the table shown in FIG. 5A;

FIGS. 6A-6C are perspective views of armchairs whose bases house storagecontainers;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an upholstered chair and ottoman eachof which may accommodate a storage container;

FIG. 7B is a cross-section of the chair shown in FIG. 7A showing astorage container which is housed beneath the seat of the chair;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a load-bearing storage container forstoring water or other material which may be adapted for use with avariety of furniture types;

FIGS. 8B-8H are perspective views of a variety of chairs and tables thatincorporate the storage container shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a load-bearing storage container forstoring water or other material which may be adapted for use with avariety of furniture types;

FIGS. 9B-9H are perspective views of a variety of chairs and tables thatincorporate the storage container shown in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a rectangular table having a top whichincludes a recessed area for housing one or more storage containers thatmay be used to store water or other material;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a chair whose seat includes a recessedarea for housing one or more storage containers that may be used tostore water or other material;

FIG. 12A is a partially exploded view of a table whose load-bearing baseincludes a storage container and pump assembly;

FIG. 12B is a side elevation of the table shown in FIG. 12A fullyassembled;

FIG. 13A is an elevation view of a table having a cabinet base in whichstorage containers are housed;

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of a table having a cabinet base withdoors;

FIGS. 14A-14C show an ottoman having an interior compartment in which astorage container is housed;

FIG. 15 is an elevation view of a table having a pedestal support madeof stackable, load-bearing storage containers; and

FIGS. 16A-16B are elevation views of cabinets which either support orare supported by storage containers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, a task chair 100 includes a seat andseatback assembly 102. An upper end of a support 108 is mechanicallysecured to a bottom surface of assembly 102. A lower end of support 108is shaped and dimensioned to engage with and bear upon a storagecontainer 104 while also keeping the bottom surface of assembly 102clear of a spout 110. Storage container 104 is preferably a reusable,plastic container of appropriate capacity, dimensions and strength toboth support normal loads (e.g., a seated person) expected for taskchair 100 and provide appropriate height. Preferably, either assembly102 is detachable from support 108 or support 108 is detachable fromstorage container 104 to allow a user ready access to spout 110. Thebottom of storage container 104 is secured in an optional wheeled base106 which permits task chair 100 to roll freely.

Storage container 104 functions as a load-bearing structure of taskchair 100. In addition, storage container 104 may function as a storefor water or other material. As a result, the space normally occupied bya conventional chair is advantageously converted into an emergency waterstore or other desired store while preserving the chair's originalfunction.

FIGS. 2A-2B show a table 200 having a round tabletop 202 which issupported by three storage containers 204 which together form apedestal. Storage containers 204 together bear the load of tabletop 202as well as any loads placed on the tabletop. A bottom surface 208 oftabletop 202 includes three recesses 210 a, 210 b and 210 c which arelocated and dimensioned to accommodate the spouts of storage containers204 respectively. Alternatively, tabletop 202 may be secured to storagecontainers 204 by a variety of conventional arrangements, such asbrackets, clips or sockets, which preferably allow tabletop 202 to beremoved in order to gain access to the spouts. Storage containers 204are secured in an optional wheeled base 206.

As shown in FIG. 2C, as an alternative to placing recesses in thetabletop, a bottom surface of a tabletop 212 is fitted with three roundreceptacles 214 a, 214 b and 214 c. Each of receptacles 214 a-214 c isshaped and dimensioned to receive an upper end of a table heightextender 216, 218 and 220 shown in FIGS. 2D-2F. Each lower end of heightextenders 216, 218 and 220 is adapted to mechanically engage a spout ofa storage container 204. Height extenders 216, 218 and 220 may beimplemented with a simple slide-on friction fitting, a threadedconnection or other arrangement which is convenient and compatible witha particular spout design. Alternatively, other support structures whichare adapted to mechanically engage storage containers 204 or the floor(or both) and capable of bearing the expected loads may be used. Forexample, scissor legs could be adapted to mechanically engage storagecontainers 204 while providing a convenient way to adjust the height oftable 200.

FIGS. 3A-3B show a table 300 having a square tabletop 302 which issupported by a square hollow pedestal 304. A bottom surface of tabletop302 rests on a top edge of pedestal 304. Arranged within pedestal 304are four storage containers 306. Access to spouts 310 of storagecontainers 306 may be gained by lifting tabletop 302 off of pedestal304. Alternatively, pedestal 304 may include a side panel door (notshown) which provides access to storage containers 306 without removalof tabletop 302. Either pedestal 304 or storage containers 306 may bearranged to solely bear the load of tabletop 302 or, alternatively, theload may be shared. Similar arrangements may be made with respect toother embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 4A-4B show a table 400 having a rectangular tabletop 402 which issupported by a rectangular hollow pedestal 404. A bottom surface oftabletop 402 rests on a top edge of pedestal 404. Arranged withinpedestal 404 are five storage containers 408. Access to spouts 410 ofstorage containers 408 may be gained by lifting tabletop 402 off ofpedestal 404 or, alternatively, providing a side panel door (not shown)in pedestal 404.

FIG. 5A shows a table 500 having a round tabletop 502 which is supportedby a round hollow pedestal 504. Pedestal 504 is shaped and dimensionedto accommodate a cylindrical storage container 506 which is shown inFIG. 5B. Storage container 506 is includes a filling port 508 on its topsurface. Thus, by removing tabletop 502, a user may gain access toeither fill or draw from storage container 506. Storage container 506may be either load-bearing or non-load bearing depending upon itsheight, the height of pedestal 504 and the material chosen for thecontainer.

FIG. 6A shows an armchair 600 having at least one removable armrest 602which provides access to a compartment 604. Compartment 604 houses oneor more storage containers 606. Armrest 602 includes a panel 608 whichis shaped and dimensioned to frictionally engage with compartment 604.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 6B, an armchair 610 has aremovable armrest 612 which includes blocks 614. Blocks 614 are shapedand dimensioned to mate with slots 616 when armrest 612 is attached toarmchair 610. A compartment 618 houses one or more storage containers620 and may be accessed by a door 622.

In another alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 6C, an armrest has beenremoved from each of two armchairs 610 which have been mechanicallysecured to form a bench or loveseat 624. Loveseat 624 is secured by arear clip 626 which is shaped and dimensioned to engage with slots 628located on an upper back corner of each armchair 610. A front clip 630is similarly shaped and dimensioned to engage with slots 632 located ona lower front corner each armchair 610.

Containers 606 and 620 may be either load-bearing or non-load bearingdepending upon their dimensions and the material chosen for thecontainers.

FIG. 7A shows an upholstered chair 700 and ottoman 702. As shown in FIG.7B, a storage container 704 having an optional wheeled base 706 isshaped and dimensioned to fit within a cavity 708 beneath chair 700.Storage container 704 may be either load-bearing or non-load bearingdepending upon its height, the height of cavity 708 and the materialchosen for the container. Access to storage container 704 may be gainedby turning chair 700 on its side or, alternatively, lifting chair 700off of the storage container. Alternatively, or in addition, anotherstorage container (not shown) of appropriate shape and dimensions couldbe disposed in a cavity beneath ottoman 702. In both cases, storagecontainer 704 provides water storage in a convenient and unobtrusive waythat does not detract from a user's décor.

FIG. 8A shows an alternative design for a load-bearing storage container800 which includes a support 802 mounted on a hollow base 804. As shownin FIGS. 8B, 8D and 8E, storage container 800 is adaptable to serve as aload-bearing and storage structure for a variety of chairs 806, 808 and810. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 8C, 8F, 8G and 8H, storage container800 is adaptable to serve as a load-bearing and storage structure for avariety of tables 812, 814, 816 and 818.

FIG. 9A shows yet another alternative design for a load-bearing watercontainer 900. As shown in FIGS. 9B, 9D and 9E, storage container 900 isadaptable to serve as a load-bearing and storage structure for a varietyof chairs 902, 904 and 906. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 9C, 9F, 9G and9H, storage container 900 is adaptable to serve as a load-bearing andstorage structure for a variety of tables 908, 910, 912 and 914.

FIG. 10 shows a table 1000 which includes four legs 1010 and aload-bearing frame 1002 that defines a recessed area 1004. Althoughomitted for greater clarity, it should be understood that a tabletopwould typically overlay the entirety of recessed area 1004 andtypically, but not necessarily, extend peripherally beyond the edges offrame 1002. Recessed area 1004 accommodates a group of storagecontainers 1006 each of which includes a spout or inlet 1008. Storagecontainers 1006 may be accessed by removing the tabletop. In alternativeembodiments, legs 1010 may be replaced by a conventional pedestalstructure, one of the housings or cabinet-type pedestals disclosedherein, or other suitable load-bearing structures.

FIG. 11 shows a chair 1100 having a load-bearing frame 1110 and a hingedor removable seat 1102 which may be lifted to gain access to a recessedarea 1104. One or more storage containers 1106, each of which includes aspout or inlet 1108, is shaped and dimensioned to fit within recessedarea 1104.

FIG. 12A shows a partially exploded view of a table 1200 which includesa tabletop 1202, a pump assembly 1206, a load-bearing storage container1212 and an optional wheeled base 1214. Tabletop 1202 includes a centralaperture 1204 which is located and sized to accommodate an actuator1208. Tabletop 1202 normally rests on an annular support 1210, therebypreferably enabling actuator 1208 to stand flush with or proud of thetop surface of tabletop 1202 as shown in FIG. 12B. By exerting downwardis pressure on actuator 1208, a user may draw water or other liquid fromstorage container 1212 through spigot 1216 and into glass 1218. Thus, inthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, water or other liquid storedin storage container 1212 is generally accessible for use at any timeand need not be considered merely an emergency supply.

FIGS. 13A-13B show a table 1300 having a rectangular top 1302 and acabinet base 1304 which houses storage containers 1306. Cabinet 1304 mayinclude doors 1308 to conceal storage containers 1306 or may omit suchdoors. Cabinet 1304 may also include an optional wheeled base 1310.

FIGS. 14A-14C show an ottoman 1400 which includes a compartment 1406 fora storage container 1402. Access to compartment 1406 and storagecontainer 1402 may be gained through a door 1404.

FIG. 15 shows a table 1500 in which a table top 1502 rests on a drawerbox 1504. A load bearing pedestal 1506 which supports table top 1502 anddrawer box 1504 is formed from several stackable, load-bearing storagecontainers 1510. Pedestal 1506 is supported by an optional wheeled base1508.

FIG. 16A shows an assembly 1600 in which a non-load bearing storagecontainer 1602 is supported by a cabinet 1604. In an alternativeembodiment shown in FIG. 16B, an assembly 1606 includes a load-bearingstorage container 1610 which supports a cabinet 1608. Load-bearingstorage container 1610 rests in an optional wheeled base 1612.

The chairs, tables and other furniture pieces described above may beconstructed from a variety of conventional materials including wood,wood composites and laminates, plastic, metal, fabric, glass or variouscombinations of those materials or others. The storage containersdescribed above may, where appropriate, be implemented with essentiallyconventional plastic, reusable water containers or may be implementedwith other containers whose dimensions, shapes and materials are chosento meet the requirements of a particular application. Such other watercontainers described above, which require particular dimensions orshapes to fit within particular spaces, may be constructed from plasticor other conventional materials. The storage containers is describedabove may also be adapted to include a mechanism for automaticallyreleasing a purifying chemical or a mechanism to provide a visualreminder to a user to replenish a purifying chemical or take otheraction.

As an alternative to the optional wheeled bases (e.g., wheeled base 106in FIG. 1A) described above, a non-wheeled base may be used and mayinclude a bottom surface covered with felt or similar material thatwould allow sliding over hard floor surfaces.

As an alternative to storing water, the storage containers describedabove may be used to store other liquids, powders, grains or otherobjects.

1. A table having integrated storage capacity comprising: a removabletabletop which is supported by a load-bearing frame; said load-bearingframe defining a recessed area overlayed by said tabletop, said recessedarea housing one or more non-load bearing storage containers; and one ormore load-bearing structures for supporting said tabletop, load-bearingframe and one or more storage containers above a floor surface.
 2. Thetable as in claim 1 wherein said one or more non-load bearing storagecontainers form an emergency water store.
 3. The table as in claim 1wherein said table is adapted to accommodate a pump assembly which iscoupled to said one or more non-load bearing storage containers.
 4. Achair having integrated storage capacity comprising: a load-bearingframe defining a recessed area overlayed by a removable seat, saidrecessed area housing one or more non-load bearing storage containers;and one or more load-bearing structures for supporting said load-bearingframe, seat and one or more storage containers above a floor surface. 5.The chair as in claim 4 wherein said one or more non-load bearingstorage containers form an emergency water store.
 6. A chair havingintegrated storage capacity: a seat; and one or more load-bearingstorage containers arranged to support said seat above a floor surface.7. The chair as in claim 6 wherein said one or more non-load bearingstorage containers form an emergency water store.
 8. A chair havingintegrated storage capacity: a seat; one or more load-bearing structuresfor supporting said seat above a floor surface; and said chair includinga compartment for housing one or more non-load bearing storagecontainers.
 9. The chair as in claim 8 wherein said one or more non-loadbearing storage containers form an emergency water store.
 10. A tablehaving integrated storage capacity comprising: a removable tabletophaving a bottom surface which bears on a load-bearing pedestal adaptedto engage with said bottom surface; and said pedestal housing one ormore non-load bearing storage containers.
 11. The table as in claim 10wherein said pedestal includes a door which provides access to said oneor more non-load bearing storage containers without removing saidtabletop.
 12. The table as in claim 10 wherein said one or more non-loadbearing storage containers form an emergency water store.
 13. The tableas in claim 10 wherein said table is adapted to accommodate a pumpassembly which is coupled to said one or more non-load bearing storagecontainers.
 14. A table having integrated storage capacity comprising: aremovable tabletop having a bottom surface; and one or more load-bearingstorage containers adapted to engage with said bottom surface andcapable of supporting said tabletop.
 15. The table as in claim 14wherein said one or more load-bearing storage containers form anemergency water store.
 16. The table as in claim 14 wherein said one ormore load-bearing storage containers are supported by a wheeled base.17. The table as in claim 14 wherein a height extender is coupledbetween each of said one or more load-bearing storage containers andsaid bottom surface.
 18. The table as in claim 17 wherein said bottomsurface includes one or more receptacles shaped and dimensioned toengage one end of said height extender, the other end of said heightextender adapted to engage with one of said one or more load-bearingstorage containers.
 19. The table as in claim 14 wherein said one ormore load-bearing storage containers are supported by a wheeled base.20. The table as in claim 14 wherein said table is adapted toaccommodate a pump assembly which is coupled to said one or moreload-bearing storage containers.
 21. Apparatus comprising: a piece offurniture having integrated storage capacity provided by one or moreload-bearing storage containers; and said one or more load-bearingstorage containers arranged to support said piece of furniture on afloor surface.
 22. Apparatus comprising: a piece of furniture havingintegrated storage capacity provided by one or more non-load bearingstorage containers, wherein said piece of furniture is not supported bysaid one or more non-load bearing storage containers.